A HI-tech system that offers everything from satellite tracking to security devices and telecommunications could be fitted to every Avis Rent-a-Car vehicle in Europe within years, it was revealed at the London Motor Show. Skynet Telematics won an order to provide 250 of its Skamp devices to Avis, which combine telecommunications, vehicle and personal security, route guidance and a full interactive service with a telephone helpdesk.

If the trial at Avis's Heathrow airport depot is successful, it could roll out to Avis's entire European fleet of more than 180,000 vehicles under the brand name AvisRapid 24-7. Drivers using Avis vehicles press one of a series of buttons on the dashboard which alert a call centre to the vehicle's position using satellite navigation. A mobile telephone connection can be opened between the driver and the multilingual helpdesk to ask for directions, send messages or even ask the location of hotels, restaurants and other amenities.